Video courtesy Hawaii County Police Department, voice of Stephanie Salazar
HILO, Hawaii – Candles were lit outside the police headquarters in Hilo on Monday, in memory of the Hawaiʻi County Police officers killed in the line of duty.
A 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” honored the fallen four: Manuel Cadinha, lost back in 1918, William “Red” Oili who fell in 1936, Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku who died in 1990, and Kenneth Keliipio in 1997
 Mayor Billy Kenoi |
“I’m proud to come here to honor officers Cadinha, Oili, Jitchaku, and Keliipio. And I’m also grateful that that’s all we honor each year… I know every day there’s no garantees.”
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The history seemed especially poignant this year. In January, two officers were shot and wounded in Hilo after responding to a report of gunshots heard on Kilauea Avenue. It was a close call for Officer Joshua Gouveia, who attended the ceremony on Monday, and Officer Garrett Hatada. Police Chief Harry S. Kubojiri acknowledged told their story.
 Chief Harry Kubojiri |
“Officers Joshua Gouveia and Garrett Hatada responded to a call where an individual later identified as 31-year-old Keaka D. Martin was reported to be discharging a firearm in a public place. Martin, who had been hiding under a vehicle, fired upon officers Hatada and Gouveia as they approached the vehicle.
Thankfully, although both officers received gunshot wounds to their lower extremities, they survived the encounter and are currently recovering.”
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| Mayor Billy Kenoi |
“I very quielty went to the hospital to see [Officer Joshua Gouveia and Officer Garrett Hatada] the next day; I’m so grateful that they are OK.”
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The suspect, 31-year-old Keaka D. Martin of Hilo, was arrested less than 24 hours later, after police say he shot himself in the chest in an East Palai Street home. Officiers Hatada and Gouveia are still recovering from their injuries.
| Chief Harry Kubojiri |
“As recently as May 7 of last week, 40 law enforcement officers have already been killed in the line of duty [in the United States]. A startling and tragic statistic is that on average one law enforcement officer is killed every 57 hours.
The blue grey marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., now display more than 19,981 names of law enforcement officials that were killed in the line of duty. Of these names, 54 are from the State of Hawaii.”
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In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. This year, President Barack Obama has ordered all U.S. Flags to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday.
| Mayor Billy Kenoi |
“I can confidently say that these men and women – as well as the support staff who provide the critical support they need to keep all of us safe – that we have, if not the finest, one of the finest departments in the entire country, and nothing … anything … can provide greater comfort than to know that the men and women we have represent the best of our community; honesty, integrity, service.”
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Another Police Week ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Kona police station. The public is invited to attend.
